8
QuizMultiple Choice

Hamlet, Part 5: Characteristics of Elizabethan Drama

Question 8 • PARTA - EVP: PGCPS ENGLISH 12 OC (FALL2026) 791113

What line from Act III of Hamlet supports the conclusion that Shakespeare is critical of actors?

Answer
f
for in the very torrent, tempest, and—as I may say—whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance, that may give it smoothness
i
it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters
b
but let your own discretion be your tutor: suit the action to the word, the word to the action; with this special observance
A
And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them

Explanation

Hamlet criticizes an actor who performs with excessive, exaggerated emotion, saying that the performance “offends me to the soul” and tears a passion “to tatters.” This directly supports the conclusion that Shakespeare is critical of actors who overact. Choice B is the line that names this criticism most clearly.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next